8 Days to go!

What's new ????

Well the stag weekend went off without a hitch, as far as I know.
There were no casualties.

Photo's can be viewed here http://www.antonybaker.com/wedding/otherstuff.html

Had a problem....
Esmé & Bebe tried on their dresses.
Esmé's fitted fine, Bebe's was just a little on the tight side.
So much so we could just about do up the zip!
I am so glad we tried it on when we did... I dropped the dress off on Monday evening and Geraldine called on Tuesday to say it has been altered.
I am having a half day tomorrow so I am going to go and pick up the now larger dress.
Also had a final meeting with my flower lady on Monday night to run through everything.

Lucy and Fiona came round last night and helped me tie ribbons on glasses and wire up feathers. Had a good evening, even if to the outside world it would have looked like an American ladies quilt club!

Tonight I shall be mostly cleaning my house ready for everyone coming over tomorrow night.

Stag Do Itinerary

Friday 3rd March
Blackjack croupier arriving around 8:30pm
Dave will be cooking a big pot of stuff with rice – so don’t worry about eating before you come.
2 crates of lager has been purchased, but more may be needed so bring some along… also if you want anything else other than lager to drink bring that too.
Bedding stuff will be needed ie sleeping bags, blow up beds etc….

Saturday 4th March
Up and out by 8am at the latest for Army morning – for all those booked (you know who you are)
Minibus has been booked that Mark will be driving, this will be £20 a head – covers price of minibus and diesel.
Make sure you are wearing warm clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and boots that will support your ankles.

Back to flat to change and eat ready for the evening
Names have been put on a guest list at Valentinos – Dress code is smart casual – No trainers!

Sunday 5th March
Out for fry up and then drift off home to recover.

A section will be added to the web page with a write up and photo’s from the stag, so keep a look out after the weekend has happened.

Check list

Clothes to change into on friday if coming straight from work

warm clothes and ankle support boots

PJ's - no one wants to see naked bodies :)

Smart clothes for clubbing

bedding - sleeping bag, blow up bed, pillows, cuddly toy

sunday slob clothes

clean pants

toothbrush

17 Days to go !!!!

Not that I am panicking or anything... Ant woke up with what looks like either conjunctivitis or a sty this morning. So me with my coldsore and him with his yucky eye, we are going to look great.
Been to Boots though and picked up Optrex for infected eyes, so hopefully that will do the trick.
On another note, it would appear the Poltergeist we have living in our flat has reared its ugly head again as I was sorting out my bag to take to Fiona's this weekend, and I have everything other than my veil!
We searched all over the flat for it and it has just disappeared, it is probably in the same place as the face for our car stereo!
I do of course use the term Poltergeist in the loosest of terms... Antony has an amazing habit of tidying things up and putting things away and then forgetting where they have gone.
So I am currently veil less, have ordered another one which I am none to chuffed about, but I am certainly not taking the risk of not being able to find my original one.

I am starting to wonder if this is the start of things to come…. Is this the point where things start to go wrong ?

Last weekend

Opps forgot to write up details of last weekend and what we got up to.....
Went to the Barn at 10am to meet with Bridget and run through any last details, we also met with our photographers Mark and Alex so they could get an idea of the venue.
http://www.i-photographer.co.uk/

Then we rushed back to Asda and hired a carpet cleaner, from their we popped into town to get ribbon for glasses.
Went into every shop in Colchester that sells ribbon, unfortunatly they no longer sell the one Bex and I have glued round 45 glasses !!!!!
So now I have to have odd ribbon.... I will just have to alternate and hope people think it is part of the scheme.

Once home we started carpet cleaning.... it is probably one of the most disgusting jobs anyone can do, it was not that long ago we did them last but yet the water was black... yuk yuk yuk!
But now my carpets are sparkly and clean and ready for everyone to trample over them for the next 3 weekends!

Sunday
Picked up Esmé and Bebe's dresses from Geraldine.
Once again she has done me proud, just got to keep my fingers crossed they fit. Going to take them round this weekend coming for them to try on just in case.

Am now currently trying Lypsyl Cold Sore Gel

It's a clear gel that stings like hell when you put it on, and then it dry's to a white flakey type layer... which to be honest does not look unlike man putty.
Now having that in the corner of your mouth is not possibly the most attractive thing I have ever done, but if it works who am I to knock the 'special' cream!

I HAVE A COLDSORE !!!!!!!!!!

The weekend was busy, as predicted.
Dress fitting went well, and the girls were very well behaved. Bebe was not overly keen on being pinned in a dress, but she was happy once she was holding a pin cushion, and passing pins to the lady.
From there we went into town, dropped off my dress to be steamed, its not being picked up until the 15th so that’s a bonus. Means I don’t have to store it anywhere and worry about it getting creased.
Next on the list was shoes, we popped into a dancing shop and picked up a couple of pairs of ivory ballet shoes. The shoes are going to be accessorised with a little sequin heart on each one.
After streaking round a few more shops, we went Bear stuffing!!!!!
It was fantastic, you pick your animal skin.. We all had Mocha rabbits and then you take them to get stuffed. You stand on a pedal and the fluff shoots out, once your animal is stuffed they give you a heart to make a wish on and then that is stitched inside.
Then the animals are given an airbath and a brush and they are ready to take home.
I forgot to take pictures whilst the rabbits were being made, but I will take some this evening to show the finished product.

Been soldiering on with wedding plans, even though I don't feel like it.
I will be fine for a while, and then I will remember Bob and feel really sad.
Sounds a bit strange to some, then again not to the majority of animal lovers... but we took Bob to be cremated on Saturday. Was a really lovely place, and the lady was really kind she explained about the procedure and also chatted about the different animals they get in, Was really surprised that they have done animals from budgerigars to horses, so maybe I am not so weird after all.

Had a mini conference call with Paul Marcroft last night, and went through a few bits for his toastmaster duties.... times, announcements etc.
Also all the lad's have now been fitted out for their suits, so things are starting to feel like they are coming together.

Check list of things still outstanding...... at least what I can think of at this moment in time
Buy Sudbury street map x 2
Sort out photo list of what group photo's are wanted
Buy card and make table plan & table names

Saturday is looking to be a busy one, got the kids over for their dress fitting first thing in the morning. Then we have their shoes to buy, my dress to be dropped off to be steamed, pay for Marcroft's suit and best of all..... We are going to stuff bear's, well actually they are rabbits.
There is a new shop in town called Build-A-Bear and you basically do just that and build a bear, so I thought it would be fun to get Esmé and Bebe a rabbit each as a present, and they can stuff them in the shop.
Once again I am sounding strange, but honestly this shop exists.
I shall take photo's of the finished rabbits, and maybe some whilst they are being stuffed and post them on here, just so you know I am not losing the plot.

This evening we lost our beloved Bob.
He was such a massive part of our lives, and we will miss him so much.

Little Nutbrown Hare, who was going to bed, held on tight to Big Nutbrown Hare's very long ears. He wanted to be sure that Big Nutbrown Hare was listening.
"Guess how much I love you," he said.
"Oh, I don't think I could guess that," said Big Nutbrown Hare.
"This much," said Little Nutbrown Hare, stretching out his arms as wide as they could go.
Big Nutbrown Hare had even longer arms. "But I love YOU this much," he said.
Hmm, that is a lot, thought Little Nutbrown Hare.
"I love you as high as I can reach." said Little Nutbrown Hare.
"I love you as high as I can reach," said Big Nutbrown Hare.
That is quite high, thought Little Nutbrown Hare. I wish I had arms like that.
Then Little Nutbrown Hare had a good idea. He tumbled upside down and reached up the tree trunk with his feet.
"I love you all the way up to my toes!" he said.
"And I love you all the way up to your toes," said Big Nutbrown Hare, swinging him up over his head.
"I love you as high as I can HOP!" laughed Little Nutbrown Hare, bouncing up and down.
"But I love you as high as I can hop," smiled Big Nutbrown Hare - and he hopped so high that his ears touched the branches above.
That's good hopping, thought Little Nutbrown Hare. I wish I could hop like that.
"I love you all the way down the lane as far as the river," cried Little Nutbrown Hare.
"I love you across the river and over the hills," said Big Nutbrown Hare.
That's very far, thought Little Nutbrown Hare. He was almost too sleepy to think any more. Then he looked beyond the thorn bushes, out into the big dark night. Nothing could be further than the sky.
"I love you right up to the MOON," he said, and closed his eyes.
"Oh, that's far," said Big Nutbrown Hare. "That is very, very far."
Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves. He leaned over and kissed him good night.
Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile, "I love you right up to the moon - AND BACK."

Cakey Peg - Part 2

Saturday 4th Feb
Met Pam (Mother-in-Law to be) and Bab's in Romford today to go to the cake shop.
All ingrediants have been purchased and Bab's is now on schedule to make the cake of the year.
I am very excited as the cake is set to be as sparkly as everything else on the day.

I am actually a little concerned that the whole wedding day is getting a bit bling, but hey as Bex said "if you can't go mad on your wedding day, when can you?".


NB. Everyone might want to bring sunglasses, in case the glare is too much!

Invitations have been sent out so stand by your post boxes and get ready with the RSVP's!

Saturday 28th Jan

Michelle, Mel, Fiona & Lucy over today for dress fittings.

Everything went well and it was great to see all them all in their dresses together.

Dresses will be picked up on 18th February, when Esmè and Bebe come up to have their dresses altered.

Hello wedding fans

I know its been a long time but our site has been down.... this is not Ant's fault, it was to do with the guy who is hosting for us, but everything is all up and running and the diary will be updated regular.

Gosh there is so many things that have happened since the last time I wrote anything... where do I start

Well the invitation are being printed this week, by a friend's brother, which is fantastic, so stand by your letterboxes as they should be coming through soon.

Wedding dress is here, altered and ready to go.

The bridesmaids are all up on the 28th Jan for their alterations.

Antony is off to get measured for his suit tomorrow.

Panic over Antony's passport, due to it running out October 05... hmmm got to go to France for the booze run and cant get there!

Honeymoon tickets have been booked and recieved, we are off to Las Vegas for four days and then New York for two, which we are really looking forward too.

Anyone dont want to overload you, shall update regular now things are good.

Dont forget to check out the 'who' area on the photo's, they are all being updated...
So far we have Fiona, Mel, Mark & Michelle.. keep checking for the others to be updated.

Over at Antony's Mum & Dad's for dinner today... Lucy has tried on her dress, needs a little taking in but she likes it!

Two down
Four to go

Michelle over to day.
First bridesmaid to try on her dress.... it fits and she likes it! Success!

One down
Five to go

Bridesmaid dresses arrived today!

The colour is a little different to the picture on the website, but I prefer it.
Looking forward to seeing them on.

Lots has been added to the Web site. Make sure you check out the who section, and click on the photo's to get a bit of look into the lives of our main wedding party.

Ok I am very very slowly getting over the car....
It is going to take a lot longer than I originally thought.

On to wedding stuff though....
Been in touch with these guys today

http://www.discoz.com

The site is atrocious but they are getting back to me and letting me know prices etc for hiring the DJ equipment.
Going to get Greb a smoke machine to play with as well I think :)

Ok now its your turn to have your say....
Drop us a mail on lisa.rush@virgin.net and make some suggestions on songs you would either love to hear at the wedding, or songs that would make you rush over and kill the DJ!
Make sure you put LOVE or HATE next to your choice.

We will then make sure that Greb will play the songs you want to hear and certainly not play the ones you dont.

I am so useless, I have been neglecting my poor little blog diary....
Reason..... WE HAVE A NEW CAR !!!!!!!

So what’s new on the wedding front....?

Caterer deposit has been paid and also the deposit for the flower lady

I promise I will get excited about wedding again once the novelty of the new car has worn off :)

Calling all lads - Friday before wedding

This will be posted on its own little link of the main site, but until then here goes.
Friday 17th March (Day before wedding)
Antony will be staying at the Stoke by Nayland hotel and enjoying a game of golf, dinner and evening drinks before the wedding. If you would like to join him please call Stoke By Nayland on 01206 262836 and mention Antony Baker.
Golf is at 3pm
Dinner around 8pm and then drinking and early night ready for wedding the next day.

Price per person is £120 this includes 3 - course dinner, bed & Breakfast & 18 holes of golf

All golf break prices are per person per night based upon 2 people sharing a double/twin standard room. (single occupancy supplement £20 per person per night).

Hotel guests may enjoy the following:

Complimentary use of the superb 'peake fitness' indoor pool, sauna, steam room, concept shower & jacuzzi.

Arrival time from 2pm and departure time by 11am.

If you dont have anyone to share with, let us know and we will pair you up if we can.
Also club hire is £10 per game for a bag of sticks if you dont have your own.

http://www.stokebynaylandclub.co.uk/

Confirmed
Antony & Mark - Twin Room
Marcroft & Nick Jones - Twin Room
Gary - Double Room

THE DRESSES HAVE BEEN ORDERED.....
I REPEAT THE DRESSES HAVE BEEN ORDERED !

Drawing

Picture by Esmé Rush for save the date cards and will be appearing exclusively on the invites.

Ribena update

It pays to complain.... I got a box with a prepaid envelope and a £5 voucher through the post today!
The letter states
'we are sorry to learn from your telephone call that you have had cause to complain about a bottle of Ribena Sportcap 330ml'
blah blah blah
'Our quality control laboratory would like to carry out a thorough investigation'
etc...
So my Ribena bottle is currently under investigation !
Tee Hee I am almost feeling sorry for the little bottle, it was not its fault it was a defect.

Ribena !

Standing on the platform this morning waiting for my train, wearing a nice white top... thought I know I am a bit thirsty, I shall have a drink from my Ribena I have just purchased. Open the sports cap, take a swig and end up wearing half the bottle. Nice white top, not so nice anymore!
So I slip on my fleece and hope no one notices, once in London I have a frantic dash trying to find a clothes shop that is open at 8am... found one, Phase Eight.. Now normally I associate this shop with clothes my Mum would wear, so I try to stay away but desperate times call for desperate measures. Found a top that IS something my Mum would wear, but it did not have Ribena on it so that is a bonus.
But... But... But... what was really cool was I found 3 Ostrich feather boa's which would be perfect to use with the flowers... so hoorah for Phase Eight and a bottle of leaky Ribena.

NB: I phoned SKB and complained about the leaky bottle, so Ribena vouchers should be in the post soon!

Cakey Peg!!!!

Went to sunny Romford today to meet Pam (Ant's Mum) & Babs (Ant's Mum's best friend who is making our cake).
Spent a good hour or so in the weirdest cake shop I have ever been to in my life. this place was like a house, that had been made into a shop but all the rooms had different things to do with cake making in... it was an Aladdins cave of icing, ribbon, silver balls, cake tins, little men playing football, candles... you name it they had it.
I nearly got as excited as I do when in a stationary/craft shop, it was a close call... but the pens win..just! (I know some people may find this obssesion with pen and craft shops a bit weird, but hey everyone has some kind of fetish... and Ant thinks its cute, so who am I to complain?)
So anyway, I have picked a cake and it is fantastic.... it fits in perfectly with the theme of the day.

Wow......
The caterers are fantastic, Sam who was dealing with us totally knew his stuff and very professionally worked out a schedule for the day, with regards when to eat, when to drink, what to do while photo's are taken etc... We were blown away.
Best of all Sam turned to Mark (BestMan) and said "during the day we will not really speak to the Bride and Groom everything will go through you"... it was the look of pride mixed with sheer horror that was priceless, one of those 'wish you had a camera' moments.
So our caterers are pretty much booked... another thing to tick off the list.

We are off to see caterers tonight :)
http://www.chimneyslongmelford.co.uk/

These people come very highly recommeneded, so we are looking forward to trying out their food.

After taking Alfie to Puppy classes I stopped off to pick up a Chinese takeaway, whilst waiting for it to cook I walked round outside with Alfie and stopped to look in a newsagents window.
There I spotted an advert in the window for a florist... this could be my lucky day as I am trying to find someone who will let me supply the flowers, and will only charge me for their time.
Fingers crossed this could be my lady.

Well its official, We have registered with Colchester registry office and Braintree have confirmed the booking.
Bex looked very official in her role and was very serious, which is more than we can say for us.
Wedding is booked for 2.30 !
Thought later would be better as it means longer to get ready, plus people that are travelling up dont have to get up that early.

Day off today
3:30 appointment with Colchester registry office.

Today we took Antony's Mum & Dad, my Mum & Liz to see Smeetham Hall.
Appointment booked for 10am

From what I can tell everyone seemed to agree that it was the perfect place.
Still got to get them to come round to the idea of afternoon tea.. but we are working on it.

Also tried on my wedding dress... I kind of feel like a trussed up turkey, but I dont think I will get away with wearing my jeans!
Was amazed at how heavy a wedding dress is, and also amazed at how tightly an assistant in a bridal shop can lace you in.... yeah ok I had bumps and curves in all the right places, but I have no idea how I am expected to eat, dance, sit down and various other natural things?
Note to self: Make sure dress not pulled to tight on the day! what am I talking about note to self... Note to Bridesmaids : Make sure I can breath and check regularly for vital signs of life.. pulse, mirror in front of nose etc!

Took Antony to Park Lane hotel today for afternoon tea to celebrate his birthday which is next week.
Whilst enjoying the fantastic finger sandwichs and lovely cakes, a germ of an idea started to form.... what about afternoon tea at the wedding???
We chatted and weighed up the pro's & con's and we think its great.
Just got to hope everyone else thinks so too!

Venue deposit paid

Park Lane Hotel
With Fiona & Mel to share the delights of afternoon tea.

Had a great girly chat and discussed some ideas about Bridesmaid dresses.

http://www.smeethamhall.co.uk/

View venue today

Thought I would investigate jewellers today.
Having an odd shaped engagement ring, thought it would be a good idea to chat to someone about having a wedding ring made to fit round it.
Went and checked out.....

C.J.Brooks The Jewellery Workshop.

Suite 4, Trinity HouseTrinity Street

Colchester

CO1 1JN

Tel:01206 766007

Handmade Jewellery

The guy was really friendly and explained how the two rings would be made from the same piece of gold and then sent away to be hallmarked.

So we decided to go for it and have him make the rings.

He is going to call in a month, so he can have my engagement ring to shape the gold round.